'This Fair Land of Gwent'.

Author Chris Barber spoke on 'This Fair Land of Gwent'.

This county, once known as Gwent, and now split into Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Newport, has been crossed and re-crossed by invading armies, cattle rustlers, settlers and tourists. Each group have left its mark on the landscape in some way or other.

Dating from Stone Age times are such things as Harold's Stones (in Trellech), the stone circle on Gray Hill, Heston Brake tumulus in Portskewett, and various isolated standing stones. In most cases the reason for their construction is a matter of pure conjecture.

Iron Age settlers constructed numerous hillforts (32 in Gwent), and many survive as prominent features of the landscape. Excavations suggest that they were occupied by family groups.

When the Romans came to this area, they subdued the native Silures, building forts in strategic places, and a main base in Caerleon. They also established a small town at Caerwent in an attempt to Romanize the Silures.
During the period 600 - 1000 Ad (commonly known as 'The Dark Ages') many hermit saints lived in this area; some of the small churches founded by them later became parish churches. Some of the churches concerned are still dedicated to those early saints.

The Normans arrived in the 11th century, and immediately built fortifications to police their conquered territory. Chepstow Castle was probably the first stone-built castle in Wales, and was constructed to guard the river crossing. Other important sites were White Castle (so known because of its whitewashed walls), Skenfrith Castle (a favourite residence of King Henry II), and Abergavenny Castle (the venue of the Christmas day massacre, at which Norman lord William le Breos slaughtered the Welsh princes he invited to join the festivities).

The 18th century saw the growth of large estates; some landowners such as the Morgans of Tredegar diversified into the coal and iron industries, but others remained rooted in agriculture. One such was the Rolls family of Llanvihangel-Vibion-Awel near Monmouth. The best known member of that family was the Honourable Charles Rolls; he is renowned for his association with motor engineer Henry Royce, but he was also an early pioneer of aviation. Sadly he was also the first person to die in an air crash.
Dave Edwards

Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Llancaiach Fawr Manor is located at the northern end of the Rhymney Valley in a village called Nelson, which is just outside Ystrad Mynach.

It is hardly the place you would expect to find such a wonderful and award-winning attraction! But nestled amongst the rolling hills of the valley, you will find the gem in the crown of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

*please click on the image above to access a larger photograph

........."We have yet to find out if they managed to find their way out!"

Good morrow to you gentlefolk. Be it known that in the month of June did ye history group go to Llancaiach Fawr, home of Sir Edward Prichard, as it was in 1645.

During our brief stay, we had a glimpse of the operation of the household of a country gentleman in 17th century Wales, conducted in old English.

Our first guide was Rachel Edmunds, a kitchen maid who described the running of the household below stairs. She showed how meat was roasted on a spit, and how a square wooden plate with large indentation was used for food, with a small indentation for that precious commodity - salt. In passing she described a toothache cure for those addicted to sweetmeats; this consisted of driving a red-hot nail into the infected tooth. She added in all seriousness that it must work, since anyone who tried it did not complain about toothache thereafter.

Secondly houseman Bryn Llewellyn introduced us to the chambers used by the master and his family, describing how they lived, dined, and engaged with the local population. He also described how the interior walls of the chamber acquired their pleasant yellow hue: add to the lime wash 'that which emanates from the back end of a horse', but advised against occupation of that room for three weeks thereafter.

For the tour of the sleeping apartments, our guide was John Bolitho, body servant to Sir Edward Prichard. He described how the various chambers were used by Sir Edward, Lady Prichard, and their offspring; he commiserated with the menfolk who had supported their wives through childbirth, and advised them to show their solidarity by quaffing a draught of ale. He delicately enquired if men had been in army or navy, and classed as 'deserters' any who had served a mere two years.

After a visit to the gardens and a meal, we returned to 21st century Caldicot.

Dave Edwards

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photo: Brecon Mountain Railway

One Of The Most Popular Railways In WalesTravel in one of our all-weather observation coaches behind a vintage steam locomotive through beautiful scenery into the Brecon Beacons National Park along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Dol-y-Gaer on one of the most popular railways in Wales.

Website link: http://www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk/

 

The Wye Valley Railway

The Wye Valley Railway was opened on the 1st November 1876 from Wye Valley Junction (near Chepstow, south-east Wales) to Monmouth Troy (east Wales) for a total distance of 14 3/4 miles. Trains stopped at stations called, from the south, Tidenham, Tintern, Bigsweir, Redbrook, and terminated at Monmouth Troy. Here passengers could change for Ross-on-Wye (a few miles further north), Pontypool (15 miles to the south-west), and, from 1883, Coleford, in the Dean Forest.

Ultimately it lost large sums of money and closed to passengers in 1959. Freight followed in 1964. Today only short stretch of line at Tintern station is used for railway purposes - as a 7-inch gauge miniature railway - and this has stood in the path of a proposed new cycleway.

Website link: The Wye Valley Railway

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American Museum,

Bathampton Mill, & Bath Narrow Boats

American Museum

In the main house on the ground and first floors there are a spectacular series of diverse and authentically furnished rooms, trace the American way of life from colonial times to the mid 19th century. The Textile Room displaying American quilts and other textiles is located on the first floor.

Website link: www.americanmuseum.org

 

Bathampton Mill

Bathampton village lies two miles east of the city of Bath and has a population of around 1800. The River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal pass through the village.

Website link: www.thebathamptonmill.co.uk

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Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Llancaiach Fawr Manor is located at the northern end of the Rhymney Valley in a village called Nelson, which is just outside Ystrad Mynach.

It is hardly the place you would expect to find such a wonderful and award-winning attraction! But nestled amongst the rolling hills of the valley, you will find the gem in the crown of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

*please click on the image above to access a larger photograph

........."We have yet to find out if they managed to find their way out!"

Good morrow to you gentlefolk. Be it known that in the month of June did ye history group go to Llancaiach Fawr, home of Sir Edward Prichard, as it was in 1645.

During our brief stay, we had a glimpse of the operation of the household of a country gentleman in 17th century Wales, conducted in old English.

Our first guide was Rachel Edmunds, a kitchen maid who described the running of the household below stairs. She showed how meat was roasted on a spit, and how a square wooden plate with large indentation was used for food, with a small indentation for that precious commodity - salt. In passing she described a toothache cure for those addicted to sweetmeats; this consisted of driving a red-hot nail into the infected tooth. She added in all seriousness that it must work, since anyone who tried it did not complain about toothache thereafter.

Secondly houseman Bryn Llewellyn introduced us to the chambers used by the master and his family, describing how they lived, dined, and engaged with the local population. He also described how the interior walls of the chamber acquired their pleasant yellow hue: add to the lime wash 'that which emanates from the back end of a horse', but advised against occupation of that room for three weeks thereafter.

For the tour of the sleeping apartments, our guide was John Bolitho, body servant to Sir Edward Prichard. He described how the various chambers were used by Sir Edward, Lady Prichard, and their offspring; he commiserated with the menfolk who had supported their wives through childbirth, and advised them to show their solidarity by quaffing a draught of ale. He delicately enquired if men had been in army or navy, and classed as 'deserters' any who had served a mere two years.

After a visit to the gardens and a meal, we returned to 21st century Caldicot.

The next meeting of the history group on 16th July will be held in Caldicot Scout Hall, since the proposed trip to the slavery exhibition in Bristol Museum has been cancelled. A film will be shown, followed by a cream tea.

Dave Edwards

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Bristol Museum Exhibition about the Slave Trade

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BREAKING THE CHAINS is a £1 million Heritage Lottery Funded exhibition that has been created to mark the significance of 2007 in consultation with community members, and in partnership with Bristol's Museums, Galleries and Archives.

Website link: www.empiremuseum.co.uk

 

 

A tour of the Historic Buildings of Usk (also the Rural Life Museum).

 

Visit to Cardiff Castle.

"History Group visit to Cardiff Castle"

*please click the image above to access a photo slideshow of our visit to Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is one of Wales's leading tourist attractions. Situated in the very heart of the capital, alongside city centre shopping and the magnificent Bute Park, the Castle's enchanting fairytale towers conceal an elaborate and splendid interior.

Contained within its mighty walls is a history spanning nearly 2,000 years, dating from the coming of the Romans in the first century AD. After the Norman Conquest, the Castle's Keep was built and a number of Medieval fortifications and dwellings followed.

The Castle fell into the possession of many noble families, until, in 1766, it passed by marriage to the Bute family. The 2nd Marquess of Bute was responsible for turning Cardiff into the world's greatest coal exporting port. The Castle and the Bute fortune passed to his son John, the 3rd Marquess, who by the 1860's was reputed to be the richest man in the world

From 1866 the 3rd Marquess employed the genius architect William Burges to transform the Castle lodgings. Within gothic towers he created lavish and opulent interiors, rich with murals, stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings. Each breathtaking room has its own special theme, including Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian decoration.

As well as visiting the spectacular interiors, visitors can enjoy the Castle grounds, where peacocks, ducks and geese wander freely, and enjoy a break in the Castle Tea Rooms which offers a warm welcome for coffees, light lunches and afternoon tea.

Website link: http://www.cardiffcastle.com

 

Visit to Gloucester Docks.

Our History group had a successful day out to Gloucester Docks where regeneration of the area is taking place. Our members were blessed by the only hot sunny day for days and went off to explore the museums, docks, a boat trip on the waterways, tea rooms and not forgetting the shops. A most enjoyable day out as well as educational.

*please click the image above to access a photo slideshow of our visit to
Gloucester Docks

The Main Basin was the original terminus of the ship canal from Sharpness, opened in 1827. Here cargoes were transferred to smaller craft which passed through the lock and continued up the River Severn to the Midlands. The Barge Arm was also an early feature to accommodate small vessels bringing goods for local distribution.

Website link: http://www.gloucesterdocks

 

Monmouth Castle Museum & Lost City of Trellech

The History Group started their visit with a talk within the remains of Monmouth Castle by Mrs Patricia Lynesmith, Museum Curator. She gave an excellent summary of the history of the castle and how the regiment that is now based there came to be formed. The regiment now goes under the name The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) and the group was very privileged to be then taken up to see the Officers Mess in the 17th century house across the courtyard from the castle. Members were then free to take a look around the regimental museum which has a wonderful display of memorabilia.

Monmouth Castle Museum

*please click the image above to access a small slideshow of our visit to Monmouth Castle

photo: Monmouth Castle Museum

website link: www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk

Lost City of Trellech

*please click the image above to access a small slideshow of our visit to the Lost City of Trellech

photo: Excavations on the site have already revealed two houses

After lunch the group travelled on by car to the Lost City of Trellech where the owner of the site, Stuart Wilson gave them a conducted tour and some history about it. He was able to show an almost complete chimney finial and a Richard 11 coin that had been found during the excavations.

website link: www.lostcityoftrellech.co.uk

 

The Legend of King Arthur: Speaker: Lt. Col. Malcolm Hill

For the October meeting, author Chris Barber spoke on 'This Fair Land of Gwent'.
This county, once known as Gwent, and now split into Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Newport, has been crossed and re-crossed by invading armies, cattle rustlers, settlers and tourists. Each group have left its mark on the landscape in some way or other.

Dating from Stone Age times are such things as Harold's Stones (in Trellech), the stone circle on Gray Hill, Heston Brake tumulus in Portskewett, and various isolated standing stones. In most cases the reason for their construction is a matter of pure conjecture.

Iron Age settlers constructed numerous hillforts (32 in Gwent), and many survive as prominent features of the landscape. Excavations suggest that they were occupied by family groups.

When the Romans came to this area, they subdued the native Silures, building forts in strategic places, and a main base in Caerleon. They also established a small town at Caerwent in an attempt to Romanize the Silures.
During the period 600 - 1000 Ad (commonly known as 'The Dark Ages') many hermit saints lived in this area; some of the small churches founded by them later became parish churches. Some of the churches concerned are still dedicated to those early saints.

The Normans arrived in the 11th century, and immediately built fortifications to police their conquered territory. Chepstow Castle was probably the first stone-built castle in Wales, and was constructed to guard the river crossing. Other important sites were White Castle (so known because of its whitewashed walls), Skenfrith Castle (a favourite residence of King Henry II), and Abergavenny Castle (the venue of the Christmas day massacre, at which Norman lord William le Breos slaughtered the Welsh princes he invited to join the festivities).

The 18th century saw the growth of large estates; some landowners such as the Morgans of Tredegar diversified into the coal and iron industries, but others remained rooted in agriculture. One such was the Rolls family of Llanvihangel-Vibion-Awel near Monmouth. The best known member of that family was the Honourable Charles Rolls; he is renowned for his association with motor engineer Henry Royce, but he was also an early pioneer of aviation. Sadly he was also the first person to die in an air crash.

Dave Edwards

From Computers to Cuirasse.

Speaker: Lt. Col. Malcolm Hill

We had an enjoyable talk from Lt. Col. Malcolm Hill (Brecon U3A), entitled 'From Computers to Cuirasses', a personal reminiscence.
Lt. Col. Hill grew up in a naval family, and spent much of his formative years in Malta. When he announced his intention of joining the army, he was greeted with incredulity and derision; naval personnel tend to talk of their army counterparts in derogatory terms, describing them as 'pongoes' ('where the army goes, the pong goes').

However, he joined the 9th Hussars, and trained at Sandhurst. Having voiced his intention of studying for a degree, he found that in most regiments, rivalry for army-sponsored university places was intense. However, there was less competition for members of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, so he transferred to RAOC, studied at Shrivenham Military Academy, and pursued a post-graduate course at Oxford.

At that time computers were becoming fashionable. He attended a computer course at Bicester, and developed an inventory control system on an early computer called LEO1. Such a system was then becoming essential as the end of conscription meant at the army no longer had a ready (and cheap) supply of clerical labour.

He spent several years in Northern Ireland, during which time ha acquired a working knowledge of Irish politics. His only contact with the IRA came when a car bomb wrecked a nearby house. The main effect on the Hill household was the disappearance of the family cat. The creature was found under the wardrobe, and took three days to emerge.

Soon after, Major Hill was posted to London Central, with responsibilities for supplying regiments in the London area, the guards and household cavalry taking precedence in all things. This was followed by postings elsewhere.

On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he was posted back to London Central as head of department. His new responsibilities included involvement in the Royal Tournament at Earls Court. Over the years he had become knowledgeable in the design and production of the various items of military uniform, operational and ceremonial.

Dave EDWARDS

The life and times of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Speaker: Ross Goff

At the November meeting we were treated to a talk on Isambard Kingdom Brunel, by Ross Goff. Last year, Brunel came second in a television poll of 'Great Britons', no mean feat considering the opposition (he was beaten by Winston Churchill). He was one of the foremost engineers of the 19th century, and achieved much in his 53 years. The epitaph that appears on his family tomb is 'He Has Raised his Monument by His Own Public Works'. It was inscribed for his father Marc Brunel, but applies equally to the son.

His father was a successful engineer in United States before moving to Britain to make his name (and his fortune) mass-producing an improved design of pulley block for the British Navy. The younger Brunel was born in 1806, educated in Hove and Paris, and at the age of 21 became resident engineer for his father's construction of a tunnel under the Thames at Rotherhithe. He submitted a design for the Clifton suspension bridge, but financial restraints meant that the bridge was not completed until after his death.
He designed and built dock complexes in many parts of the country, including Cardiff and Bristol.

In March 1833, Brunel was appointed chief engineer of the Great Western Railway. His work on the line that linked London to Bristol helped to establish Brunel as one of the world's leading engineers. Brunel used broad gauge (7 feet) on the line instead of standard gauge (4 feet 8½ inches). However standard gauge eventually won the day, since it was used to a greater extent.

Brunel was also a pioneer in ship design. He designed several - each of them was the largest in its day, and each included new ideas, such as an iron hull and a screw propeller. Brunel was for many years the victim of poor health, brought on largely by overwork.On 15th September 1859, he died, and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.

Dave EDWARDS

History Group visit to Bristol

The History Group visited Bristol and was given a guided tour around the Medieval parts by Philip Budd and his wife. Don't be misled by the group picture taken by our chairman, Glenice - it wasn't just "The More Stalls" that the group came to see as she illustrated in another shot where everyone is looking at a Coat of Arms!

*Click the photograph above to access a slide show of history group visit to Bristol

 

10th Anniversary Pageant 2005

*Click the photograph above to access a photo album of the 10th Anniversary Pageant

Never, in an auditorium as the choir hall, could so many, applaud so loudly, as they did on the occasion of Brian Hopkins recitation of some of Sir Winston Churchill's speeches.

Listening to Churchill's words still brought back the strength of feelings and emotions that he intended to impart to the Nation, during our darkest hours.

Thank you Winston, thank you Brian.

 

 

A day out at Sudeley Castle and Gardens

The sun was shining as our driver headed towards Sudeley Castle and Gardens in the Cotswolds. On arrival we had morning tea, then we were off on a tour of the Castle, what a wonderful sense of history you feel as you wander through the various rooms and displays, only stopping every now and then to listen to the historical stories and tales related by the Castle guides and protectors. Lunch, then a tour of the Church and beautiful gardens, where I was one of the fortunate ones to have our gardening convenor with me, Norma Shreeve, who kindly pointed out all the different plants and shrubs (nice to have green fingers!). This was a joint outing for our History and Gardening groups, thank you Iris and Norma for giving us a memorable day.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past. The Castle was once the home to Queen Katherine Parr, following her marriage to Sir Thomas Seymour, and Lady Jane Grey. Henry VIII, Ann Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth I, all visited Sudeley. King Charles I stayed here and his nephew, Prince Rupert, established his headquarters at the Castle during the Civil War.

Today, Sudeley is the home of Lord and Lady Ashcombe and the Dent-Brocklehurst family. They are dedicated to its continued restoration and the regeneration of the gardens, with particular emphasis on conservation and sustainability.

Below is a selection of photographs from our trip to Sudeley.

*Click the photograph above to access a slide show of Sudeley Castle and Gardens

 

St Mary's Parish Church Caldicot

At a meeting we were given a talk on St Mary’s Church, Caldicot, by the local historian, Ross Goff. He informed us that the church is the oldest functional building in the parish and it is believed there was a wooden structure on the site as early as the 10th century.

*Please click images below for larger photographs

There are three local churches called St Mary’s, the other two being in Portskewett and Rogiet and this causes some confusion.The Caldicot church has some fine stained glass windows and in particular, the Kemp window is visited by people from far and wide. Ross is arranging for a tour of the church by the History Group some time in May when we look forward to seeing some interesting ecclesiastical artefacts.

Iris Price.

 

Llanthony Secunda Manor

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Llanthony Secunda Manor and the visit is detailed on one of the web pages. The Manor dates back to the 12th century and predates Caldicot Castle.

There is also an article by Ron Stewart on the history of Caldicot plus a comprehensive index about Caldicot, past and present. These web pages are of interest to all residents and of particular interest to anyone interested in local history.

Ron Lapthorn goes on a brisk historical journey through the 800 years of this 12th century building.

*please click "here" to access a BBC website acticle about Llanthony Secunda Manor

 

 

Tewksbury Abbey

Our History group with Tewksbury Abbey in the background

The History Group visited the scene of the battle of Tewksbury where they were addressed by historian, Chris Goodchild.

The battle was between the Yorkist force of some 5000 men under Edward IV and 6000 Lancastrians led by Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI, who was a prisoner in the Tower of London. The reason for the battle was about the succession to the throne.

Both armies had made forced marches to reach Tewksbury on 3rd May 1471 and suffered privations on the way, but prepared for battle on the following day. The battle raged for most of the day and it was artillery of the Yorkist forces, firing stone cannon balls, that had proved the decisive factor and the Lancastrian forces were made to flee, many of them into the Abbey. Henry VI and his heir, Prince Edward were executed and many of the Lancastrians were butchered. Such was the carnage that the site was known as 'Bloody Meadow' ever afterwards.

It was hard for the group to stand in that meadow and imagine the savage events of that day.

Iris Price

The History Groups recent visit to St. Donats Castle (Atlantic College)

St Donat's Castle stands above the Bristol Channel in the southern part of the Vale of Glamorgan and is on the side of a steep wooded valley. The building of the castle began about the year 1180 and continued to grow, mainly through the influence of the Stradling family who occupied the castle from 1298 to 1738. The property passed through a number of owners until it was bought in 1925 by William Randolph Hearst, the American newspaper magnate. Hearst's association with St Donat's is probably best remembered through his mistress, the film star of the day, Marion Davies, but it must also be remembered that he spent large sums of money restoring the castle and bringing it up to the fine building it is today.

The history of St Donat's, like that of so many other old castles, is a fascinating one, but equally fascinating is its modern day function as the site of the Atlantic College. The College has some 330 pupils aged from 16 to 19 years from no less than 76 countries and has its origins in NATO, which had seen how people from different nationalities who studied together very soon became reconciled with other points of view. From the concept the United World Colleges was created and the first college opened in Wales in 1962 with the aim of international understanding through education. The syllabus is not only academic but includes humanities and community service, which encompasses Social Work, Environmental Activities and the running of the Life Boat Station. The crews, although manned only by teenagers are credited with saving over 200 lives since 1962.

In 1971 the college discontinued the GCE A Level syllabus and changed to the International Baccalaureate, which has a much broader scope from the purely academic subjects. A further six colleges have opened in various parts of the world with the same international outlook. Dare we hope that with this and many other international initiatives, there is a likelihood of greater understanding between different countries of the world at some time in the near future?